Raytheon and Anduril Industries have announced a significant milestone in aerospace propulsion technology, having conducted a successful static fire test of a solid rocket motor (SRM) utilizing a Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) design. This innovative design aims to enhance the performance of air-to-air weapons, increasing both speed and distance capabilities.
The static fire test was executed under a collaborative contract with the US Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, though specifics regarding the technical aspects of the motor remain undisclosed.
Anduril spearheaded the development of the HLG by leveraging advanced technology from the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, while Raytheon contributed its expertise to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The resulting collaboration is touted to provide “extended range and greater tactical advantage” for military operators in the United States and allied nations.
In a statement, Anduril’s Senior Vice President, LTG Neil Thurgood, emphasized the complexity involved in designing and firing a Highly Loaded Grain rocket motor, describing it as one of the most challenging endeavors within the solid rocket motor sector. Thurgood also noted that the successful trial showcases the robustness of Anduril’s engineering team and their capacity to deliver high-performance propulsion solutions amid a competitive landscape dominated by a limited number of providers.
In a strategic move, Anduril recently inaugurated a full-scale solid rocket motor production facility in McHenry, Mississippi, which is expected to further bolster their capabilities in this domain.
Colin Whelan, President of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, framed the successful test as more than just a technical triumph. He emphasized the broader significance of enhancing the supply chain for solid rocket motors, aiming to ensure a more agile and responsive manufacturing base that can quickly adapt to emerging national security demands.
